No Eagles car for lifelong Redskins fan Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Lifelong Washington Redskins fan and NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr. will not have to race in a car that sported a Philadelphia Eagles logo and team colors.

One of Earnhardt’s racing sponsors Axalta had scheduled for him to drive a car with the Eagles logo and colors in NASCAR Cup race at Pocono Raceway. The race held on June 11th was a way for the Eagles to promote the Axalta All-Pro Teachers program.

It seems Earnhardt was not too excited about the possibilities of having to go out in the divisional rivals custom car despite his support for the teacher’s program. He brought the situation to the attention of Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick.

Hendrick told Earnhardt that he had to go through with the plans, however, due to NFL rules regarding sponsorship and team logos that state marks cannot be used in connection with the promotion or presentation of another sport, the two-time Daytona 500 winner is off the hook.

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Back on April 5th, No. 88 as he is known on the NASCAR circuit, had the folowing message to Redskins fans when faced with the idea of having to race in the custom car.

“I’m really sad about that. Being a Redskins fan, it was very hard to wrap my brain around it,” Earnhardt said on Periscope when the cars’ color scheme was announced. He did admit that teachers program was a “pretty cool angle”.

“I hope my Redskins pals, all the fandom that I’m a part of, I hope that you don’t disown me — HTTR,” Earnhardt said.

The Eagles issued a statement on the rule that will keep Earnhardt out of an Eagles branded car.

“Having been reminded of the NFL’s policy, we understand and respect their point of view,” the Eagles. “While we are disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to increase the visibility of the Axalta All-Pro Teachers program through the Pocono 400 this year, we remain committed to supporting STEM curriculum and the educators who inspire our youth through our relationship with Axalta.”

Axalta issued a statement as well.

“Without doubt, we are deeply disappointed that the Axalta All-Pro Teachers car will not run,” the company said.

Although the initiative was for a good cause Redskins fans and Earnhardt will not have to hear the boast of Eagles fans who could have made light of one of the Burgundy and Gold’s biggest supporters donning their colors and logo.

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Lake Lewis Jr

USA TODAY Sports Media Group RedskinsWire Managing Editor, Lewis is a Washington Redskins Insider and TV Analyst. Owner and Founder of SportsJourney, Lewis is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).